Mock Wedding: Abbeylara GFC wishes to say thank you to the organising committee. Cast members, directors and scriptwriters of the above event. Thanks to the ticket sellers, helpers and those who helped with costumes. Thanks also to the staff of the Longford Arms Hotel who were so helpful, also to the general public who supported in such great numbers on the night.

Granard’s Easter Festival: Plans are now at an advanced stage for the Easter Festival on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st March. The festival kicks off on Saturday afternoon at 3pm with a gruelling 5K Run which starts at Kiernan Milling! Entry is €10 per adult and €5 for U16 participants. Prizes are as follows 1st €200, 2nd €100 and 3rd €50. There will be a special prize of €50 for the first U16 competitor across the finish line. If you wish to participate call Patrick on 043 6687935. Later in the evening, the Novelty Tug-O-War will take place on Main Street. All businesses in the area are invited to enter a team of 7 people. The cost is €20 per team. If your business or organisation would like to enter a team please contact Barry on 087 7625698. On Sunday from 1pm onwards, there will be lots of fabulous entertainment for children and adults including fire eating, stilt walking and unicyclist from Corvenieos Entertainment. The crowd are in for a very special treat with the appearance of the “Trialstar Team” - the very best of mototcycle arena trials specialists performing amazing feats of bravery. The parade is expected to pass through Main St. at 2pm. Many floats have entered, but there is still time to join up if you wish to do so call Patrick on 043 6687935. There will be an Artisan Food & Craft Fare boasting an array of home baking including cheese, meats,boxty, jams, apple pies, crepes and confectionary so all palettes will be catered for. After the parade Shindig – formerly known as the Merchant Archers, will take to the stage followed by popular local group Paper Planes! As it is Easter Sunday there’ll be lots of Easter Eggs to give away!! Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the fun! With such a variety of live entertainment there is something for everyone at the Easter Festival in Granard!

Fundraising Night: The Park House Hotel presents its 2nd annual fundraising night in aid of M.W.B. Autism Support Group on Friday 5 April 2013. Dancing on the night to King of Country Music Mick Flavin. There will also be Special Guests on the night and various spot prizes. Admission is €10. The doors open at 9 pm and dancing is from 10 pm to 1am. A great night’s entertainment is promised.

Slimming World: Slimming World Group is held in Edgeworthstown every Thursday night at 5.30pm and 7.30pm in the Mostrim Arms. Phone: Jenny on 086 1094773 for further information. Everybody is welcome.

Mission: A Mission has commenced in St. Mary’s Granard which concludes on Saturday 23 with Vigil Mass at 8.30 pm. Morning Masses take place at 7.00 am and 9.30 am. Evening Mass at 8.00 pm daily. Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday 20 March at 8.00 pm. Sacrament/Anointing of the Sick on Saturday 23 March at 11.30 am. This is a time of great renewal and blessings. Everyone is invited to attend.

Spring Clean – Scrap: We can help you get rid of any scrap you may gather up during your spring clean up and convert it to good use for Abbeylara GAA Club funds. Please contact Pat McHugh 087 6308152, Pauric Kiernan 086 3998807, Kevin Murphy or any Club officer. Thank you.

Enrolment for Abbeylara/Aughnagarron National School: Application forms are now available for the above Schools. For further details please contact Abbeylara N.S on 043 6686806 or Aughnagarron N.S on 043 6686805.

Credit Union LTD: The hours of business are Tuesday–Saturday 10–5pm. Granard Credit Union is pleased to announce our new Spring Loan @ 7.5% and Secured Loans @ 3.5%. Offer only available until 30 March. Why not call in and ask a member of staff for details.

Community Diary: A Diary is available at Granard Area Action Group office to enable local voluntary groups and fundraising events to log their forthcoming activities for the year so as to help co-ordinate events successfully and to avoid duplication where possible.

MABS: An adviser from MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) is in attendance at Granard Area Action Group office each Monday morning from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Citizens Information: An information officer from Co. Longford Citizens Information Service is available at Granard Area Action Group Office Main Street Granard each Thursday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

GAA Club: Membership is now due and needs to be handed in very soon to Kevin Murphy, Carra please.

A/G Bingo: Takes place every Wednesday night at 8.45pm in the Community Centre Granard. Proceeds go towards St. Mary’s Granard and Abbeylara GAA Clubs. Your continued support is very much appreciated.

Parish Draw: The draws for 2013 will begin in March. Please give your membership fee of €100 full year, €50 half year or €25 quarter year to your collector when convenient. Collectors please begin collecting these membership fees when convenient. Thank you for your support, which greatly helps the finances of the parish.

Tuesday Night: Is plotto night with the jackpot now at €10,500 for a €2 stake. Pick four numbers from 1 to 30. Envelopes at Crawford’s, P.J. & Maggie Farrell, John Pettit, Credit Union and from all members. It could be you.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes: Takes place from Tuesday 27th May to Saturday 1st June. Cost €699. Full details from JWT 01 2410811, 01 2410812. Any person with an illness who would like to go on this Pilgrimage please contact Fr. Michael 043 6686270.

Mindfulness & Positive Living: A one-evening-per-week course starts in Lus Na Greine on 10 April from 7 – 9 pm and runs for six weeks. Some places remain available. Booking advised. For further information please call to the Centre or tel: 043 6660977.

Horticulture Course: A Seed sowing and spring programme will commence in Lus Na Greine, Main Street, Granard on 21 March. This is a practical hands-on course which will include: landscaping, seed/bedding, plant sowing, veg and fruit growing, composting and growing produce in a poly tunnel. Places are still available. Booking is essential. For further information please call to the Centre or tel: 043 6660977.

Women’s Mini Marathon: Lus Na Greine is asking people to consider taking part in this event on behalf of the Centre. They will provide a bus on the day & training will take place weekly under professional guidance. You can register on line at www.florawomens minimarathon.ie

Paediatric First Aid: Takes place on Thursday 28 March in Lus Na Greine, Main Street, Granard. This is an excellent programme for anyone working with or taking care of children. Booking is essential. For further information please call to the Centre or tel: 043 6660977.

If you wish, you can contact us using any of the methods below: Longford Leader,Leader House,Dublin Road, Co LongfordEmail: newsroom@longfordleader.ieTelephone: 043 3345241

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